Robert de Wit

the face behind the camera

My name is Robert de Wit and I shoot people. Sometimes I chop off their heads.

That’s what headshot photographers do.

I’ve taken every headshot you see on this site (except my own, of course - that was taken by Peter Hurley). Take a peek at my reviews, check out my Instagram to see what I’m currently shooting, or just reach out and connect - I’d love to hear from you!

ten questions with rob

(1) me shooting volleyball with my 200f2, (2) an early headshot setup, (3) me on vacation with my family

Have you always been a photographer?

No. Yes. Ok, it’s complicated. I first picked up a camera when I was 12 and just loved the concept of capturing images. I got my first “real” camera (a new-to-me Konica T) when I joined the Navy. Then life happened: school, overseas deployments, more school, a war, work, yet more school, two kids, some hi-tech start-ups and a private consulting practice. I picked up the camera again when the kids were young and here I am.

Do you just shoot headshots?

Nope, although headshots and portraits form the majority of my work. When my oldest son played competitive volleyball, I shot a lot of that. My youngest son is an equestrian (eventing, if you're interested) so I shoot a lot of horses during show season. I’m also the designated photographer for family vacations. While I’ve shot a few events and lifestyle images for local business owners, headshots and portraits remain my primary focus.

Shannon Holmes on Major Disaster, shot at Bromont, June 2018 (200mm, f2, 1/4000s)

What gear do you use?

I currently shoot Nikon. No real reason other than I like their deeper grips and the quality of their glass. I became a Nikon Professional in 2017. For headshots, I shoot tethered to CaptureOne and do most of my colour work there. I use Affinity Photo for retouching and then back to CaptureOne for processing. Both packages run on my Mac, but my files are held on Synology NAS gear. Tripod is Feisol. For lights it’s mostly Elinchrom and Westcott.

What does 200f2 mean?

It’s a lens specification: 200mm focal length at aperture f2. It is by far my absolute favourite setting. Nikon, Canon and (more recently) Fuji make lenses that meet this spec. They’re big, heavy, and imposing, but absolutely pure magic. The image quality is jaw-dropping, the ability to isolate the subject is unparalleled and the auto-focus is impossibly fast. If you’ve never shot with one before, go rent one. Your life will change.

Mostly tea now. I drank my fair share of coffee during those long middle watches at sea and still enjoy the occasional real coffee, but have pretty much switched to tea. My current favourite is the milk oolong from David’s Tea. Looks like seaweed once brewed.

Morning person or night owl?

Definitely a morning person. I’m usually up at 6 (or so) walking the dog before getting a head start on the day. If it’s not a school day, it might be a few hours before the rest of the family emerges. In fact, it’s shortly after 7am as I write this and I’m the only one up. Well, other than the pets.

Definitely a dog person, but don’t tell the cats that. We have a dog, four cats and a horse. All rescues. The cats seem to have adopted the couch in return. Molly the dog has been known to snore during shoots. And phone calls.

You see a puddle on the ground, do you walk around it or over it?

Neither. I jump in with both feet. Then turn around and do it again. And again. I’ve taught my boys to do the same. Try it. It’s fun.